Oak Ridge Teen Awarded Scholarship From NJCTS

SOMERVILLE, NJ (June 4, 2021) – On Friday, in honor of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day, NJCTS presented sixteen scholarship awards to graduating New Jersey seniors. One of the recipients was Grace Reed, 18, of Oak Ridge.

NJCTS awarded scholarships to high school seniors with Tourette Syndrome (TS) - a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements known as tics. As many as 1 in 100 people show signs of TS or other tic disorder which is frequently accompanied by mental health disorders including ADHD, OCD, and anxiety.

Grace’s TS diagnoses did not stop her. She was very active in and out of school, as a Girl Scout, Yearbook Club editor, Biotech Club President, NJCTS Youth Advocate and many more. “For now, I am happy with where I am on my journey to self-acceptance,” says Grace in her scholarship essay. “Sure, there will be continuous rocks on the trail, but the more I come to terms with the fact that they are simply just going to be a part of my journey, the easier they will be to overcome.” Grace is a graduate of Jefferson Township High School and will be attending Syracuse University in the fall.

Academic achievement, community involvement and accomplishments all play a part in the NJCTS Scholarship Committee’s decision in selecting winning candidates each year.

“We could not be more proud of these young men and woman and all that they have accomplished during their high school career,” said Patricia Phillips, Executive Director of NJCTS. “Every time we see our advocates, it inspires us all to work harder and be better. We congratulate and thank each one of them.”

Grace’s scholarship winning essay can be found at www.njcts.org/teens4ts/

NJCTS, the nation’s first Center of Excellence for Tourette Syndrome, is a not-for-profit organization committed to the advocacy of children and families with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders. Dedicated to delivering high quality services to these individuals, the Center recognizes the importance of educating the public, medical professionals, and teachers about this disorder through programs and affiliations with public schools, health centers, and universities. To learn more about Tourette Syndrome and the programs available from NJCTS, visit www.njcts.org.